An impressive silver service for tea and coffee, Andrei Bragin, St Petersburg, 1899-1908

in neo-Rococo style, each piece centered with a large cartouche framed by rocialle swirls; comprising: a large samovar, a tray, a coffee pot, a tea pot, a covered sugar bowl, a creamer, a small bowl and a cake basket, 84 standard

The heat insulators and handles on the samor have been replaced. A very rare set in excellent overall condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The neo-Rococo style is a subcategory of European Historicism. It has roots in France in the 1830s and came into bloom in Russia in the second half of the 19^th century. The style played an important role in the Russian arts of the period is completely devoid of angularity and the ornament seems to flow around the body of an object. The present set is distinguished for its sumptuous form and fineness of the chasing.
Andrei Bragin, one of the most prominent silversmiths, was particularly well known between 1852 and 1917. He produced very fine work following the Historicism trend and examples of his art are in the leading Russian museums, such the the State Historical Museum in Moscow.   

This magnificent service weighting 13kg and 345gr is remarkable not only for its dimensions, but also for its refined design as well as the meticulous treatment of detail and testifies to the superb craftsmanship of a silversmith.